Sistema Regional de Información
en línea para Revistas Científicas de América Latina,
el Caribe, España y Portugal

This article is the result of a review study, based on hermeneutics and the content analysis technique, whose objective is to analyze, from ethical considerations, the relevance of the virtual in contemporary reality and its impact on the production of identities. digital, which develop in “parallel” worlds. The approach used for reflection is rooted in complex, non-linear and rhizomatic thinking. The main conclusion reached is that an ethical, inclusive and responsible position is required before the phenomenon of virtuality; when it has been built, it will be possible to think of an augmented world-reality whose interface would be the navigation base.

Introduction: Despite advances in treatment, heart failure is a chronic disease whose incidence increases with age. Hospitalizations for decompensation remain high, so it is crucial to prioritize strategies for self-management, such as teaching, monitoring and cardiac rehabilitation programs. In view of the above, this study aimed to verify the impact of the REPIC program on quality of life, level of knowledge and adherence to physical exercise.Methodology: Quantitative study with a before-after design of a single group carried out in a sample of 110 people with heart failure, who were submitted to a rehabilitation and health education program during hospitalization and telephonic follow-up, one month, six months and one year after clinical discharge. Results and Discussion: Most participants are male (66%) and the age range varies between 30 and 89, with an average of 64.3 years and a standard deviation of 14.4. Data analysis showed a statistically significant improvement in knowledge about the disease, as well as in the perception of quality of life in the dimensions mobility, personal care, usual activities and general level of health (p=0.01). The increase in physical exercise time after the REPIC program was confirmed with a statistically significant result [t (109)=6.03; p=0.019]. The obtained results demonstrate the benefits of health education and telephone nursing follow-up, namely the improvement in the level of knowledge about the disease, in the quality of life and in the adherence to physical exercise.Conclusion: The REPIC program made it possible to reinforce the educational process, enhance self-management behaviors, improve quality of life and increase the duration of physical exercise.

Introduction: Stroke is the main cause of death in Portugal and one of the main causes of the presence of swallowing disorders. The evaluation and screening of impaired swallowing are recognized as indicators of the quality of health care. Rehabilitation nursing has great importance in the early detection of any commitment to swallowing, as well as in the definition of a rehabilitation program aimed at regaining skills and preventing complications. This study aims to analyze the effects of a program developed by rehabilitation nurses for people with impaired swallowing in the context of stroke. Method: Quantitative, exploratory, descriptive, and retrospective study. Results: 218 individuals were evaluated. The population evaluated is predominantly male, the mean age was 73 years and the predominant vascular event was ischemic stroke. On admission, 50.5% of participants had swallowing disorders. Of these, 13.5% developed respiratory infection. Initially, 110 people were included in the study. 6 of these died, so the final data refer to 104 people. Statistically significant relationships were established between impaired swallowing and higher National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores. Conclusion: Most people showed improvement in swallowing ability after the rehabilitation nurse's intervention through a structured rehabilitation program. Impaired swallowing is related to higher scores on the NIHSS, and no relationship has been established with other variables such as stroke typology and location.

Introduction: Post-extubation dysphagia affects a significant percentage of patients. However, its screening is not systematically performed, contributing to low awareness of the problem and predisposing to complications. The systematization of the approach to these patients begins with the use of reliable and sensitive screening tools. Methodology: Systematic literature review guided by the principles of the Cochrane Screening and Diagnostic Test Methods Group and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The Medline, Cochrane Library, Scielo, Science Direct and CINAHL databases were consulted. Additionally, a gray literature search was performed. Inclusion criteria included validation studies of screening instruments for patients after prolonged intubation (more than 48 hours). Results: 7043 articles were reviewed of which seven were selected for full reading, and only one met the inclusion criteria. Discussion: There are several validated dysphagia screening instruments for other clinical populations, but only one was identified for this specific population. The instrument has good inter-rater reliability, however, a sensitivity of 81%, means that part of these patients will not be identified as dysphagic, which will have negative repercussions. This instrument was validated against clinical evaluation, which is a limitation to the interpretation of its results. Conclusion: There is no Portuguese version of this instrument, which hinders the development of guidelines that systematize the therapeutic approach for patients after extubation. We advocate its translation and validation for the national context and validation with a reference test.

With the aging of the portuguese population, the increase in so-called chronic diseases, and the patients' higher level of dependence, the allocation of Rehabilitation Specialist Nurses (EEER) in Internal Medicine services have become essential, and it is important to assess their presence so that interventions can be planned.This is a quantitative, cross-sectional, and retrospective study conducted at the ward of Medicine in a Hospital of North Portugal. The main purpose of this study is to characterize and describe the activity of rehabilitation nurses in the above-mentioned unit to foster a spirit of self-criticism, thus allowing for better planning of care provision.During the period between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020, 1786 clients were admitted to the service in question; of these, 882 had rehabilitation nursing plans implemented. There were performed 4130 interventions of rehabilitation; the most frequent was "respiratory kinesiotherapy" and "muscle strengthening". The productivity of the two years was also compared (because the number of human resources was different, higher in 2020), and it was concluded that during 2020, 236 more clients were reached, which allows us to conclude that the response can be improved by allocating more rehabilitation nurses to the service. It is suggested that should be implemented specific programs for the most frequent pathologies (respiratory and circulatory diseases and disorders) and should be conducted randomized studies to study the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs.

Introduction: With the development of society, the concept of quality has become essential within health care organisations. However, little is known about the impact of the structural component of the Donabedian model on the quality of care provided by the Specialist Nurses in Rehabilitation Nursing. The purpose of this study is to identify and analyse the factors related to the quality of rehabilitation nursing care in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Units in the light of the Donabedian model in the structure dimension. Methodology: Case study of a qualitative nature. We used a non-probability convenience sample, with all participants being EEERs from the same service. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview, composed of eight open-ended questions and a set of eight questions for socio-demographic and professional characterisation. In data analysis, we used the guidelines for content analysis proposed by Bardin (2009) using the Atlas.ti software. Results and Discussion: From the analysis of the speeches of the 16 participants, in light of the Donabedian model in the thematic area Structure, the following categories emerged: people management and leadership in the service and physical environment and conditions for the functioning of nursing practices. The Donabedian model supported the discussion in conjunction with other references. We found discrepancies in the participants' discourses, specifically regarding the work methodologies and workload distribution related to rehabilitation nursing care. The work method emerges as a hampering contribution for some nurses, while, for others, it is an added value for the accountability of the autonomous practices developed. Conclusion: We can conclude that the nurses identify facilitating and complicating factors within the structure of the service, which interfere with the quality of care.

Introduction: A multidimensional clinical and functional assessment is essential for an adequate and personalized intervention for the elderly. The Clinical-Functional Vulnerability Index (IVCF-20) is a simple instrument that includes multidimensional aspects of the health of the elderly. This study aims to translate and cross-culturally adapt the IVCF-20. Methodology: The study carried out the translation of the original scale, back-translation and content validity (panel of experts and 2 elderly people). With the pre-test, the final version of the IVCF-20 in European Portuguese emerges. Throughout the process, the authors of the original scale were involved. Results: The correct linguistic and semantic equivalence in a clear and simple way. The expert panel instigates changes in 12 of the 20 items: 7 items with 100% agreement and 5 items with 75%. On pre-testing it was necessary  change a term and the IVCF-20 version in European Portuguese emerges. Discussion: The inclusion of elderly people in the process has become very advantageous. Procedure for changing the age classification range, according to the WHO and UN definition, the range of 65-74 years was considered instead of 60-74 years (original scale). In the application of the pre-test questions, it is more delicate to understand the questions (Q18 and Q19) and in the interpretation of the “normal health”. Conclusion: The Portuguese version of the IVFC-20 is an instrument that is easy to understand, with simple language and can be used with confidence in clinical practice. It is then intended to carry out the psychometric study to ensure its validation.

Introduction: Prolonged hospitalization and lack of activity during hospitalization are associated with functional decline, greater complications and increased health care costs. Gait programs are strategies to promote mobility levels that can reverse these outcomes. This study aims to map the literature on the impact of gait programs on the length of hospital stay. Methodology: Scoping review based on the Joanna Briggs Institute model. The formulation of the research question was based on the acronym PCC - population: inpatients; concept: gait programs with impact on length of stay; context: hospital. The search was conducted in the PubMed, Scielo and PsyInfo databases, being limited to articles written in Portuguese and English, in the time interval 2017 to 2022. Results: Of the 53 studies identified, 24 were included in the review. We found gait programs in different hospital inpatient settings, included in multimodal intervention protocols, in global exercise programs that include gait and in exclusive gait programs. It was found that walking programs have an impact on clinical and non-clinical indicators, reflected in the length of hospital stay. One-third of the articles reviewed concluded that walking programs reduce hospital stay between 1 to 3 days. Conclusion: Gait programs are inexpensive strategies, feasible in a hospital setting, that improve mobility levels, functionality, and may be associated with shorter hospital stays.

Introduction: Urinary incontinence has a high prevalence in patients with stroke. Conservative treatment is the most recommended, as it involves lower financial costs and side effects. This study aims to: Evaluate the effect of a Rehabilitation Program in the Management of Urinary Incontinence in women after the occurrence of a stroke. Methodology: This is a Multiple Case Study, with a quantitative method. The sample consisted of (n=5) women aged between 53 and 87 years. A rehabilitation program was applied from the detection of urinary incontinence to the time of discharge. The instruments used were: Broome Self-Efficacy Scale and Voiding Diary. Results: This study allowed us to conclude that the users who initially had urgency and loss of urine, no longer did. In the scores of the Broome self-efficacy scale: in the 1st assessment, in part A and B all had low self-efficacy, except for Case 8 which in part B had moderate self-efficacy. In the 2nd evaluation, all had high self-efficacy. Discussion: When comparing before and after the program, all had positive results in relation to urinary urgency, urine leakage, in the level of confidence in performing pelvic muscle contractions, without urine leakage. Conclusion: The rehabilitation program for the management of urinary incontinence had a positive effect on all study users.

One hand washes the other. The two together build a better world.Rehabilitation nursing in Brazil is already recognized by the Federal Nursing Council - COFEN, equivalent to the Portuguese Nurses Association. The plenary session of counselors held on April 25, 2023 unanimously decided to create this specialty and to draw up a draft of the additional competencies, to be voted on at a later date.The specialty is recognized after a few years of isolated articulations between Brazilian nurses working in the area and nurses from other countries whose specialties already exist. Of great importance is the partnership built and consolidated with our Portuguese colleagues, especially via the Portuguese Association of Rehabilitation Nurses - APER.